Audionet MAX

The Über Block Busters

The at the same time diminutive and unsurpassable name of our majestic power amp reference reference MAX doesn’t just refer to the physical size of these gigantic mono block(s). But rather merrily evokes the ultimate high performance capabilities nature and our scientists – not exactly in this order – have endowed it with.

Resting on one’s laurels is a) not truly comfortable and b) not really satisfying, scientifically speaking. Actually, we do much prefer to push the boundaries of the possible again and again in order to reach better and better results with each and every attempt and generation. It’s probably genetic. The Mendel thing. A birth defect German scientists are often born with.

Our Ultimate Statement Amplifier

The MAX always plays with a both fascinating and formidable ease, stunningly elemental, tonal accuracy and with striking macro- and micro-dynamical precision. Imposing performance goes hand in hand with compelling authority, awesome musicality and technical specifications almost no-one on this planet gets close to.

Our refined amplifier-technology results in a linearity and loudspeaker control not to be found in any other piece of equipment anywhere. Distortion is kept to such a low level that it’s almost undetectable even with the most sophisticated laboratory-equipment. In a nutshell: No other amplifier has better loudspeaker control. Plus, the MAX performs so well, that it is very difficult to imagine a situation which it would not master. All this at your fingertips. And with a comprehensive user interface informing you about all going-ons on a wide format display.

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Ultra-Linear-Amplifier

Our MAX mono-blocks represent Audionet’s latest internationally acclaimed ULA (Ultra-Linear-Amplifier) technology. This highly complex circuit topology, which we originally invented for medical engineering, delivers results that nudge the boundaries of what is feasible with current measuring techniques. Even under conditions of maximum strain or in other borderline situations, any incidence of signal impurity remains almost undetectable, while the outstanding feedback damping ensures that the loudspeakers crisply perform to the limits of their capacity.

The Cream of the Crop

The efficiency and precision of MAX is such that even the sound properties of components and materials are clearly audible. As a result, every sound-critical point in the MAX is exclusively fitted with the finest components obtainable worldwide, in many cases custom-made for Audionet. Equipped with a silk dielectric, our High Audiograde electrolytic capacitors come from Japan. Our low-loss capacitors are made of mica, a silicate made for us in India and China.

We deploy selected high-current foil capacitors with a minimal loss angle, high-quality silver-gold alloys for our internal wiring and use the very best connector systems available from our pals at Essen-based WBT, our neighbours (from a universal perspective, at least). Even the MAX’s fuses are made of – gold!

During the manufacturing process of every single mono-block, all the relevant components are re-checked again and again, meticulously measured and then perfectly matched in optimal pairs in order to guarantee optimum performance.

Architecture

To guarantee absolute channel separation, MAX is designed as a mono amplifier. The magnetically and capacitatively optimized assembly of the mono-blocks largely eliminates all feedback from electrical interference as well as from reciprocal influences between the amplification channels during the amplification process. The massive aluminium cabinet eradicates any effects of the dreaded subsonic noise.

In order to optimize its high-frequency attributes and velocity, we indulged in an orgy of minimalization. The signal paths have been kept to a minimum and contain no sound-impairing components such as coils, chokes or power relays.

MAX comes equipped with RCA and XLR inputs, which are electronically switched over gold-plated precision relays. The input stage is configured as a cascaded and bootstrapped differential amplifier with a low-noise, monolithic dual FET, thus electrically decoupling the end amplifiers from the input signal and avoiding harmful interaction with source. A special double cascade decouples the source signal from the driving and output stage. The driving stage linearizes distortion of the output circuit locally with a unique, cross-linked correction circuit in real time. The input and driving stage are separately powered by an oversized 80 VA toroid-core transformer with separate windings for positive and negative operating voltage.

The output stage is equipped with eight hand selected power MOSFETs with actively controlled bias current amounting to 0.6 A. The supply voltage is stabilized as rapidly as inhumanly possible by optimized discrete MOSFET regulators. To reach optimal performance, the negative and positive operating voltage is decoupled entirely. Two individual 1000-VA toroid-core transformers feed the positive and the negative half-cycles of the mains. Four special, fast and impulse-resistant high-current capacitors with a total filtering capacity amounting to 156,000 uF serve as an accumulator.

A microprocessor unit controls all functions and permanently monitors DC, HF, temperature and overload. In the case of a fault, it disconnects the MAX from the mains supply. A large, two-line display indicates fault sources in plain text. An Audionet-Link provides optical remote activation and signal-dependence in three sensitivity ranges. The control unit has a separate power supply from a transformer.

Function

Microprocessor controlled mono reference amplifier.

Special Features

Audionet ULA technology (Ultra-Linear-Amplifier)

magnetically and capacitatively optimized construction

signal paths are kept to a minimum

no capacitors and electromechanical components in the signal path

completely DC coupeld

four separate power supplies for controller, input and driving stage and positive and negative operating voltage for the power stage

toroid transformer with 80 VA for the input and driving stage with separate windings for positive and negative operating voltage

two toroid transformer with 1000 VA for positive and negative operating voltage for the power stage

Press comments on MAX

HiFi Voice

Audionet MAX is a top mono amplifier. It boasts a honest high-end design, perfectly crafted finish and a variety of functions. … However, if you seek THE ultimate solution and are not willing or able to pay for ultra high-end systems, Audionet MAX offers practically the same performance. MAX is basically a small power station able to send anything anywhere; it reins in even complex loudspeakers and squeezes out incredible things from the small ones. It works with machine-like precision and mathematical exactness, but doesnʼt forget to reassemble all this superb transparency, speed, impulse, dynamics and control back to music. Which may be even worthier than the sound perfection itself.

AVShowrooms

Positive Feedback

Marshall Nack, Positive Feedback ISSUE 78 (march/april 2015):
“The top-of-the-line MAX Mono Amplifier from Audionet reminded me of their smaller brother, the AMP monos, which I reviewed earlier. There is a strong family resemblance in the cosmetics and features. But the resemblance pales when it comes to performance: the MAX do more than merely double up the wattage per channel. They put you on a new playing field.

Beyond a dynamic range and thrust power that is the envy of the competition-dynamic prowess doesn’t get any better than this — the MAX amps plumb the hidden depths of your favorite CDs and LPs. With the MAX you experience refinements offered only by the top models from the major players. The MAX join a very select group of top-tier components, but the MAX get you there for a fraction of the price. I’m not saying they’re cheap, but they do meet the definition of a bargain.

Nit-pickers will look high and low in vain, because the MAX do everything right. I have found my next reference.”

Positive Feedback

David W. Robinson, Positive Feedback ISSUE 77 (january/february 2015), test together with PRE G2, PAM G2/EPX:
“The last piece of the Audionet reference system puzzle was the pair of MAX monoblocks. Listed as their “statement” amplifier, the MAX does have much to recommend it. On paper, these are real beastie boys, a ‘completely DC-coupled,’ all-out design. […] This is quality work. Utilizing what Audionet calls ‘Ultra Linear Amplifier’ technology, […] provides an extremely high level of signal purity and stability under a very wide range of real-world audio conditions. […]The meticulousness of the Audionet approach is rare. […] the PRE G2 and MAX monos were exceptionally transparent, the audio quality that I prize most highly. […]In this case, however, the sound of the Audionet was a revelation of the surprising clarity of this preamp and amp in tandem, right out of the gate. This sort of thing is rare. […] Again, this is top-notch performance. […] The dynamics of the Audionet PRE G2 and MAX were simply extraordinary. […] Make no mistake about it: This is an exceptional result.

I am now about nine months into my time with the Audionet system. The PRE G2, PAM G2/EPX, and the MAX monoblocks have been in continuous service throughout that time, and have had megatons of music run through them. […] And Audionet is definitely in, right there in the first rank. If you’re looking for world-class, at a relatively reasonable price tag, you just found it. Me, I hope to be listening to Audionet for as long as possible…”

Audio Video Czech Republic

Area DVD

“The three adjectives ‘easy’, ‘airy’ and ‘fleet-footed’ don’t describe a new pizza dough, but characterize the high frequency reproduction of the test equipment in the best way […] Although the required clarity, fine design as well as sound transparency provide best performances and bring unimaginable musical details to life, no inappropriate aggressiveness disturbs the connection between men and technology. Even in the mid-range, the highly precise rendition proves to be a source of pleasure of the special sort. […] Due to the already described characteristics regarding the tonal balance and the fast modelling result a sound reproduction of realistic physical existence with impressive detail depth. […] To put it in a nutshell, one can certify without exception best performances to the bass representation, where in each aspect of rendition absolute benchmarks are set.”

Stereo Germany

“[…] Summarizing all mentioned aspects and adding the outstanding high-value and stable cabinet construction, a 78 kg weighing exceptional offer is standing below the line. And this even before the listening test. Does one need this? 800 Watts and distortion values close to the edge of what can be measured? After a few minutes of acoustical contact with the German flagships your answer to these questions will also be vehement head nodding […] The immense potential of the big Audionets opens up immediately. They create a wonderful synthesis of power and rapidness – pure dynamic. […] This works across the complete frequency range and even in the highest heights without the slightest presence of granularity or roughness; if you are into the typical character of tubes, than you get that here. But only true energy and no random products caused by distortion. […] The bass is dusting with dryness – yes, this is the way deep frequencies have to be reproduced. […] Absolute world-class performance for a fractional amount of usual prices – this is the simple conclusion. The AMP II MAX are outstanding fast, load-stable and free from preciousness. No other power amplifier can pretend more.Performance-Level: 100%Top reference“

AV Extreme Greece

“Mainly they differ through their clearness with a performance level which is the best I have ever heard.
The Audionet amplifiers forced us to raise the volume more and more and to become captivated by the music. It looks like analog technology still has a lot to offer.”

Hi-Tech Greece

“[…] this is why the AMP II MAX draw upon the top position among the amplifiers of their category […]”

Sound Magazine Greece

In combination with PRE G2:
“Rapidness, power and control create a rock-solid bass range without any limitation or over-reaction. A bass extremely close to reality with excellent plasticity. […] This irresistible bass is overthrowing. All things considered here we have a pre-/poweramplifier combination with unexhaustible power, that drives even the most critical loudspeakers beyond their limits. In other words: These devices are made for playing numberless hours of music without tiring or boring the listener. […]”

Image HiFi Germany

“[…] the sound of the duo from Bochum does not provide criticism a target. The MAXs have a tonal and calming control about the connected loudspeakers. They act with a nearly infinite calmness, are completely unimpressed of heavy attacks, but transmit even the most sensitive. And when it is included in the music, they do both simultaneously. […] Together with the PRE G2 there is no situation, where dimension, tempo or sound become blurred. Also the used materials and the finish are – as usual – beyond all doubt.”

HiFi & Records Germany

“[…] the MAX mono amplifiers advance to the very first row of power amplifiers. According to the outstanding measurement results they offer an extremely clear transparency of the recordings. In the best moments there was a magic authenticity. Music and technology, heart and intellect […] the Audionet monos show what is possible when first-class technology and tonal fine-tuning come together. After only four years, Audionet made it to the very top of hifi amplifier development with their AMP II MAX. These monos don’t have to fear the international comparison. They combine a giant power potential with tremendous purity of sound.”